Welcome to Hyperion Records, an independent British classical label devoted to presenting high-quality recordings of music of all styles and from all periods from the twelfth century to the twenty-first.

Hyperion offers both CDs, and downloads in a number of formats. The site is also available in several languages.

Please use the dropdown buttons to set your preferred options, or use the checkbox to accept the defaults.

Don't show me this message again

Ye happy swains, whose nymphs are kind, Z443

Introduction

Purcell’s charming setting was printed in 1685 as part of the first book of The Theatre of Music. The poet asks how he can be successful with his shepherdess, for he is, despite all his efforts, being rewarded only with disdain, and is enduring ‘Ten thousand tortures’ whilst ‘Languishing night and day’. In the third verse the poet asks Fate why he is being punished so severely; if he knows, he will repent. But, if it has been resolved that he must suffer this treatment for ever, he asks that she should continue to treat him so and, in breaking his heart, kill him.

Recordings

'An auspicious launch to a project that will probably have no real competiton for years to come; I recommend it heartily' (Fanfare, USA)'An exceptional recording with consummate singing and playing which is worthy of pride of place in any vocal collection' (CDReview)» More

Details

Ye happy swains, whose nymphs are kind
Teach me the art of love;
That I the like success may find,
My shepherdess to move.
Long have I strove to win her heart,
But yet, alas!, in vain;
For she still acts one cruel part
Of rigour and disdain.

Whilst in my breast a flame most pure
Consumes my life away;
Ten thousand tortures I endure
Languishing night and day.
Yet she, regardless of my grief,
Looks on her dying slave,
And unconcern’d, yields no relief,
To heal the wound she gave.

What is my crime, oh rigid Fate!
I’m punish’d so severe;
Tell me, that I may expiate
With a repenting tear;
But if you have resolved that I
No mercy shall obtain,
Let her persist in tyranny,
And cure by death my pain.